Islamabad’s New Wildlife Law: Adequate for Exotic Pets?

Pakistan took a significant step towards enhancing wildlife and environmental protections with the passing of the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act, 2023 on August 10th. This legislation, designed to replace the outdated Islamabad Wildlife (Protection, Preservation, Conservation, and Management) Ordinance of 1979, seeks to fortify conservation efforts and safeguard the nation’s wildlife and natural habitats.

Although initially hailed as a triumph for wildlife and nature preservation, a closer examination of the new law reveals potential challenges and ambiguities in its implementation. While the government’s intent to prohibit private ownership of wild animals is evident, the text of the law lacks the precision necessary to achieve this goal.

A recent incident involving a leopard roaming the streets of Islamabad’s DHA Phase II neighborhood underscored the pressing need for stronger wildlife protection measures. This incident, where it took over five hours to capture the leopard, exposed the potential hazards associated with privately owned big cats. Pakistan has been grappling with a rise in the ownership of exotic big cats, including lions and tigers, which poses both human safety and animal welfare concerns.

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The law, while aiming to curtail this alarming trend, doesn’t provide a complete ban on private ownership of wild animals. Instead, it prohibits keeping such animals in captivity without the required legal authorization. This leaves room for interpretation and potential loopholes. Moreover, the law’s effectiveness hinges on active enforcement, including the surrender or seizure of captive animals. It remains to be seen how well this can be executed, considering the vast number of exotic pets already in private possession.

Furthermore, the law addresses issues related to importing wild animals from abroad, requiring permits for such activities. However, it doesn’t explicitly prohibit these imports, leaving room for concern about the continued influx of exotic species.

A crucial aspect that the law overlooks is animal welfare. While it prohibits the “injury” of wild animals, it fails to outline comprehensive measures to ensure their well-being in captivity. The absence of specific provisions to address housing, food, water, and psychological enrichment raises concerns about the quality of life for captive animals.

Despite its limitations, the Islamabad Nature Conservation and Wildlife Management Act, 2023 represents a step forward in acknowledging the need for wildlife and environmental protections. The key now lies in its effective enforcement, which will play a pivotal role in determining its impact on curbing the growing trend of privately owning wild animals. The future of Pakistan’s wildlife and the safety of its citizens depend on the government’s commitment to enact stringent regulations and ensure their implementation.